Cookout and vegan don’t usually go together. What if we told you that you can enjoy all the classic summer flavors, but without the cruelty? Here are our five fresh ideas for your vegan cookout that will be so good your guests will surely come back for more.
1) Super Sandwiches
A simple sandwich has been a go-to for summer cookouts for years. Sandwiches are great because all you really need is your preferred bread or bun, and then whatever filling you choose. Condiments and garnishes are also welcome as they enhance the flavor and texture of your super sandwich. If you want a sure bet for your cookout, try these delicious chickpea & jackfruit quesadilla burgers, barbecue seitan sandwiches or vegan chicken salad sandwich.
2) Plentiful Pasta
Usually, pasta is served with cheese and meat. These recipes, on the other hand, have all of the tastiness and none of the animal products. And, they’re filling enough to satisfy guests while being light enough for a hot summer day. These pastas can be served as either a main or side dish depending on your preference. We recommend pesto pasta salad, pasta primavera with lemon garlic jackfruit or creamy butternut squash pasta.
3) Splendid Salads
Gone are the days of boring salads made with colorless lettuce drenched in fattening dressing. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to what can be done for a summer salad. This Asian-inspired veggie noodle salad provides a great peek into Asian cuisine for vegan eaters. The great thing about this noodle salad is that it is traditionally served cold which is a great way to beat the summer heat. Also, this roasted vegetable salad is filled with amazing, nourishing vegetables to meet all of your health and hunger needs.
4) Praiseworthy Pizza
The love of pizza has no bounds. Pizza can literally be enjoyed anywhere, doing anything, with anyone. Try the veggie supreme vegan pizza, garden quesadilla pizza or fiesta french bread pizza. Pro tip: Take the pizza out of the oven a few minutes before it is fully done and place it on the grill to get the classic taste of pizza combined with a smokey and savory grilled flavor.
5) Tasty Treats
Everyone loves something sweet to top off a great meal. Keep it classic with this vegan apple crisp or vegan pecan pie and serve with a scoop of non-dairy vanilla ice cream — you can’t go wrong with these summer staples. Last but not least, check out this sorrel fruit shake — frozen fruit combined, agave and lime make this drink the perfect way to cool off after a successful summer cookout.
Final Thoughts
A vegan cookout is easy and delicious. Whether you’re hosting or if you’re a guest, these tips can be useful in any situation. At the end of the day, vegan eating is about creativity and openness. So even if you’re hesitant to try out a recipe or food item, just give it a try, you might be surprised. What’s your favorite vegan BBQ food? Let us know in the comments below.